Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
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SAM LEWIS

Las Vegas,NV

Summary

Experienced performance professional and certified rigger with a strong background in acrobatics, aerial apparatus, and live entertainment rigging. With over a decade in high-profile productions including Cirque du Soleil’s MJ ONE, Le Rêve, and international touring acts, I bring a deep understanding of stage rigging systems, safety protocols, and performance artistry. Proficient in the use and inspection of a wide range of rigging hardware such as triple-action carabiners, swivel shackles, chain motors, and pulley systems. Recognized for combining technical precision with athletic performance, supported by certifications in CPR/AED, OSHA-10, and scuba diving. A collaborative team member with coaching experience and a proven track record in both solo and ensemble work on stage.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience

Work History

Rigger/Magician Assistant

David Goldrake: M is for Magic
  • Loading and inspection of magician’s 2-point harness with triple action carabiner

Rigger

SANCA (School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts)
01.2017 - 09.2017
  • Tumbling and Hand-balance coach
  • Rigging usage and inspection of aerial apparatus (aerial silks, Lyra and aerial straps)
  • 4:1 pulley system usage and anchoring
  • Usage of swivels, swivel shackles, double action and triple action carabiners

Theater and Arena Down Rigger

Rhino Staging LLC
01.2025 - Current

Artist Coach

MJ ONE: Cirque du Soleil
01.2021 - 01.2024
  • Generalist and Artist Coach (Rotating Bungee, Lyra, Banquine, Bungee Straps, Solo Bungee)
  • 2-point, single-point and harness belt usage
  • Inspection and usage of triple action carabiners, zen-carabiners and swivel shackles

Performer

Le Reve: The Dream
01.2017 - 08.2020
  • Generalist/Soloist (Hand-balance, high dive, aerial pole)
  • 2-point swivel harness usage
  • Triple action carabiners and usage of chain motor
  • Aerial pole inspection and usage with triple action carabiner on chain motor

Performer and Rigger

Animate Objects Physical Theater
01.2016 - 01.2017
  • Includes corporate event performances as well as rigging and inspection of aerial apparatus (eg. Aerial silks, Lyra, 2-point swivel harness and static 2-point harness)
  • Usage of swivels, double action and triple action carabiners

Education

Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science

Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA
01.2014

Open water scuba certification -

PADI
Las Vegas, NV
06.2025

CPR/AED/First Aid certification - undefined

ARC
06.2025

10 Certification - General Industry

OSHA
06.2025

Personal Training Certification - undefined

NCCPT
01.2016

Skills

OSHA 10

PADI

BA

CPR/AED/FIRST AID

Down Rigging

Building steel

Chain motor installation

Pickle and Distro operator

Harness inspection

Equipment inspection

Run show tracks

BBP Clean Up

Accomplishments

  • 2008 Two-Division Junior Karate National Champion (San Diego, CA)
  • 2010 4th place at Karate World Championships (Cape Town, South Africa)
  • 2017 Premier entertainment act of the year (Animate Objects Physical Theater): Best of PNW Awards (Seattle, WA)

Timeline

Theater and Arena Down Rigger

Rhino Staging LLC
01.2025 - Current

Artist Coach

MJ ONE: Cirque du Soleil
01.2021 - 01.2024

Rigger

SANCA (School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts)
01.2017 - 09.2017

Performer

Le Reve: The Dream
01.2017 - 08.2020

Performer and Rigger

Animate Objects Physical Theater
01.2016 - 01.2017

CPR/AED/First Aid certification - undefined

ARC

10 Certification - General Industry

OSHA

Personal Training Certification - undefined

NCCPT

Rigger/Magician Assistant

David Goldrake: M is for Magic

Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science

Eastern Washington University

Open water scuba certification -

PADI